WASCD Board of Directors

Ryan currently serves as the Superintendent of Tomorrow River Schools.  Previously he was Director of Curriculum & Instruction for the School District of Milton, and was a principal at the secondary level, most recently at an international school in Doha, Qatar.  Ryan is a strong student advocate and loves teaching the "how" of good instruction as well as talking about global education.  He co-authored the book, Successful Middle School Instructional Technology published by AMLE.  In addition to his full-time role, Ryan is an Adjunct Professor for Concordia University and GCU.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

WASCD has a great opportunity to transform education in Wisconsin, and I believe we could have a major impact on the schools and students of our state.  As a servant leader, I want to not only support great schools in my own community but also in the entire state.  Through collaboration and with a continuous improvement mindset, this organization can be a difference-maker. 

(Board Member since June 2019)

David Grambow is the Superintendent of the Somerset School District. He has previously served as the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, a teacher, a special educator, a technology coach, and a principal. He has a passion for supporting teacher self-efficacy. 

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

A former colleague and mentor encouraged me to get involved with WASCD when I was a new principal.  I found the organization to be forward-focused and inspirational.  I appreciate the way in which WASCD continually finds creative ways to support all teachers and ultimately benefit all students in Wisconsin.

Kelly Ryder has been the Director of Curriculum and Programs for the Hayward Community School District since 2017. She also serves on the State Superintendent's AODA Advisory Committee and on the Accountability Advisory Group for DPI. Prior to her working at Hayward, Kelly worked at CESAs 11 and 12 supporting northern Wisconsin schools in areas such as educator effectiveness, curriculum, safe and healthy schools, and school improvement. Kelly also worked as a member of the state's WISExplore team, leading school teams in data-informed continuous improvement processes. Kelly started her career as a high school social studies teacher in the Cumberland School District in 1996. 

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

I became involved in WASCD for many reasons. In northern Wisconsin, where I work, very few schools are fortunate enough to be able to have a Director of Curriculum. As I learned my new role, it was important to me to be able to network with others that had similar roles across our state. I also believe that the role of curriculum is changing and I am excited to help to lead that change in our state.

Kelly Seichter currently serves as the secretary for the WASCD board of directors. She is additionally serv­ing on the WASCD Pro­gram Planning Com­mit­tee. Currently, Kelly serves as an advisor for the Excellence in Education program with CESA 9, supporting candidates seeking their teaching licenses. She’s pre­vi­ously served as the Direc­tor of Cur­ricu­lum & Instruc­tion for the White­wa­ter School Dis­trict, as been an ele­men­tary prin­ci­pal for the Min­eral Point School Dis­trict, the Read­ing Spe­cial­ist and Gifted/​Talented Coor­di­na­tor for the Mon­roe School Dis­trict and has had the plea­sure of being a class­room teacher in all grades K-​6 across sev­eral school dis­tricts.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

WASCD is an impor­tant orga­ni­za­tion whose mis­sion goes to the heart of the impor­tant work edu­ca­tors do. Being a part of this wor­thy net­work has ben­e­fited me greatly. Not only have I gained col­leagues to net­work with across the state, but I also have the oppor­tu­nity to con­tribute to the greater edu­ca­tional community.

Questions about our organization.  Contact Me!  director@wascd.org

Maria Kucharski has worked in edu­ca­tion the past 25 years within a vari­ety of capac­i­ties. She is cur­rently the Direc­tor of Curriculum and Instruction in Merton Community School District. She has also served as the Director of Teaching and Learning in Whitefish Bay, prin­ci­pal and cur­ricu­lum direc­tor in Ger­man­town, prin­ci­pal at Ket­tle Moraine, Dis­trict 4K coor­di­na­tor, K-​12 math and gifted and tal­ented admin­is­tra­tor, class­room teacher at MPS and Muk­won­ago, and finally an instruc­tional resource teacher (coach) for Elm­brook. All of these expe­ri­ences have lead to her dream of being a lifelong learner. Maria has been a mem­ber of the WASCD Board since 2010. She is cur­rently the chair of the WASCD New Direc­tors Program along with serving as WASCD's Executive Director.  

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

Being a life long learner means becom­ing involved in orga­ni­za­tions who feel the same about edu­ca­tion and your pas­sion. Who wouldn’t love to be around peo­ple whose beliefs are “to achieve suc­cess for each learner”? WASCD is ded­i­cated to the whole child and every child!

Adam Broten currently serves as the Coordinator of Instructional Services for the Sheboygan Area School District. He is beginning his 9th year supporting teaching and learning initiatives in Wisconsin as a district-level administrator. Adam has also served WI public schools as a middle school principal, elementary principal, literacy coach/interventionist, and elementary teacher in various districts in our state. He also works as an educational consultant supporting administrators and teachers across the country with unpacking Math and ELA standards, equitable planning and instruction, closing student achievement gaps, and facilitating educator conversations around equity, historically marginalized groups, and productive adult mindsets. This includes partnering with DPI, CESAs, and districts here in WI. He enjoys spending his free time with his family, traveling, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams. 

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

It's energizing to work with and learn from the many great educational minds in our state. I value continually trying to get better as a person and as a professional. WASCD provides those opportunities, not only for myself, but for all educators and leaders in our state. Ultimately, this leads to impactful learning for ALL students.

Torrie Rochon is the principal at Hortonville Middle School and Fox West Academy. She started her edu­ca­tional career as a 3rd-​grade teacher in Shawano then moved to De Pere and became a mem­ber of the Uni­fied School Dis­trict of De Pere for 7 years as a 3⁄4 mul­ti­age teacher and 4th-​grade teacher. She was a part of staff devel­op­ment, writ­ing cur­ricu­lum and served on many com­mit­tees that helped her to grow and flourish~always hav­ing a pas­sion for learn­ing, grow­ing and work­ing with kids. After 11 years as a teacher, she became an assis­tant prin­ci­pal in Menasha at Maple­wood Mid­dle School for four won­der­ful years and then moved into her role as prin­ci­pal at Sabish Mid­dle School for six years of learn­ing, grow­ing and lov­ing a staff com­pletely! She is now in the Hor­tonville Area School Dis­trict and couldn’t be hap­pier and prouder to be a part of this won­der­ful com­mu­nity com­mit­ted to nur­tur­ing all. She feels very blessed to be on the WASCD Board and being a part of the pro­gram com­mit­tee bring­ing excep­tional tal­ent and wis­dom to Wis­con­sin. She enjoys her fam­ily very, very much and especially watch­ing her daugh­ter play­ sports. 

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

WASCD has pro­vided me excite­ment in learn­ing over my edu­ca­tional career as a teacher, assis­tant prin­ci­pal and prin­ci­pal for the last seven years. It is a place where I can learn, take away ideas, be inspired, and develop last­ing col­lab­o­ra­tive rela­tion­ships. It embod­ies and fos­ters inspi­ra­tion, grit and tenac­ity in the ever chang­ing land­scape of edu­ca­tion. Don’t wait another minute, come and see for your­self what all the excite­ment is about!

Gayle Daniel is a recently retired Ele­men­tary Prin­ci­pal and Curriculum Coordinator with the School Dis­trict of Rhinelander. For 20+ years she also has served the chil­dren of Wisconsin as an ele­men­tary teacher, worked with Deaf & Hard of Hear­ing stu­dents, Cur­ricu­lum Direc­tor and sup­porter of all children.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

Becom­ing a mem­ber of this sup­port­ive orga­ni­za­tion was an easy deci­sion. Sur­round­ing one­self with pos­i­tive peo­ple that are ded­i­cated to improv­ing oppor­tu­ni­ties and expe­ri­ences for edu­ca­tors and stu­dents in WI will allow me to grow as an edu­ca­tional leader and deliver core val­ues that cre­ate pas­sion­ate life – long learn­ers of all ages.

(Board member since June 2011)

As the acting Chief Academic Officer for Racine Unified School District, Janell drives educational innovation, championing initiatives that empower both educators and students to thrive in today's dynamic learning environment. With a proven track record of success and a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, Janell remains dedicated to shaping the future of education through effective curriculum leadership and instructional practice.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

Joining the board of the Wisconsin Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (WASCD) represents an exciting opportunity for me to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of educational practices in our state. Throughout my nine years of experience in educational administration, with a focus on curriculum and instruction, I have developed a deep appreciation for the critical role that professional associations play in fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the field of education.

First and foremost, my decision to pursue a board position with WASCD stems from a genuine passion for driving positive change in education. I believe that effective curriculum development and instructional leadership are central to ensuring equitable and high-quality learning experiences for all students. By serving on the board, I see an opportunity to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote inclusive and student-centered approaches to teaching and learning across Wisconsin.

Moreover, I am keenly aware of the challenges facing educators today, from adapting to new technologies to addressing diverse learning needs. Through my involvement with WASCD, I aim to leverage my expertise and experience to support professional development initiatives that empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape.

Tony Fron­tier, PhD is co-​author of Five Leavers to Improve Learn­ing: Pri­or­itz­ing for Pow­er­ful Results in Your School (ASCD, 2014) and Effec­tive Super­vi­sion: Sup­port­ing the Art and Sci­ence of Teach­ing (ASCD, 2011). Tony has been a mem­ber of the WASCD board since 2009, and served as pres­i­dent in 2011. Tony is cur­rently the Direc­tor of Teacher Edu­ca­tion at Car­di­nal Stritch University.

Beth Galeazzi is currently the principal at Webster Stanley Elementary in Oshkosh. Prior to her role as a principal, Beth was a classroom teacher and an elementary math coordinator. 

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

I enjoy being involved with WASCD because it provides an opportunity for me to improve my own innovative learning and advocate for policies and practices that support quality teaching.

Katie Grundahl serves the School District of Jefferson as the Director of Teaching and Learning. She has pre­vi­ously served in edu­ca­tion as a Math and Science Edu­ca­tor, Assis­tant Prin­ci­pal, and Principal.  

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

I am excited and proud to serve WASCD as collaborating through shared learning is the foundation of professional growth. As educational leaders, it is imperative to create a culture of excellence in education. This is done through the belief and expectation that we can change the world.

 Why did you become involved in WASCD?

I am proud to serve as liaison to WASCD as I fulfill my role as Director of Literacy and Mathematics at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Kurt Krizan is cur­rently the Superintendent for the Shawano School District.  He has previous experience as an educator, coordinator, and Director of Teaching & Learning. 

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

Join­ing WASCD has pro­vided me with an oppor­tu­nity to sur­round myself with other pro­fes­sion­als who are focused on improv­ing teach­ing and learn­ing for ALL stu­dents in the state of Wis­con­sin. I am thank­ful to be a part of an orga­ni­za­tion that helps make me a bet­ter educator.

(Board Member since 2016)

Eric currently serves as the Director of Learning and Assessment for CESA 6. He has been working with school data for many years and provides consulting in ACT, Aspire, Forward and all local assesments. He also is the lead for the CESA 6 Learning and Assessment Center, a collaborative network of curriulum directors and data leaders from districts across the state. 

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"The professional development provided by WASCD is a valuable resource for all Wisconsin schools. This is a great think tank organization with like-minded people working hard to help Wi schools! "

TBA

I currently serve as the Director of Teaching & Learning for the Lake Mills Area School District. I previously served as an educator, assistant principal and principal. 

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

It is an honor to serve alongside talented and passionate educators as part of WASCD in order to provide meaningful learning for educators and advocate for the needs of ALL children.

For over 20 years, I have been a professional educator. I have served as a 3rd grade teacher in both Clintonville and Shawano, and also served as Principal of a PreK-8 Catholic School for five years. Currently, I am the Director of Learning for Shawano School District. My husband, Matthew, and I have two children, and we operate a beef farm in Bear Creek, WI. We are active in our church, 4-H, and Lion's Club.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

As a leader dedicated to positive change, I am involved in WASCD to network with other curriculum and instruction leaders throughout the state of Wisconsin so that we can share and inspire each other to build better systems in our schools. I believe it is important to serve your community wherever possible, and education is my professional community. Together, we have a great opportunity to influence our local communities and bring educational excellence to our school districts, impacting the future for all students.